Into the Calderon
An unofficial Atlético Madrid blog
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AS: Atlético, Barcelona interested in Lisandro Martínez
Lisandro Martínez’s contract with Manchester United expires in June 2027, and neither side will trigger the one‑year extension after his outburst following United’s 2‑0 loss at Atlético on October 13. With a Bosman free‑transfer option from January, both Atlético Madrid and Barcelona are circling the 28‑year‑old Argentine World Cup‑winning centre‑back. Atlético’s Christian Romero publicly named Martínez as his top target, while reports suggest Barcelona may have the edge. Despite concerns about Martínez’s height and inconsistency, his left‑footed quality makes him a rare gem in today’s market.
Diego Simeone assesses form of Hjulmand, Lookman before Levante clash
Ahead of Atletico Madrid’s match against Levante on Oct. 30, 2026, Diego Simeone stresses that reaching 100% is unrealistic and that the team must exceed that level through smart substitutions and player form. He praises midfielder Morten Hjulmand’s work ethic alongside Koke, Barrios and Cardoso, and acknowledges Lookman’s dip in form while expressing confidence in his potential. Simeone also comments on Barcelona’s fixture shift, the recent train tragedy in Toledo, and the importance of resilience throughout the season.
Levante UD – Atlético de Madrid: Preview, team news, score prediction
Atlético de Madrid (8-1-1, 25 points) head to Valencia on October 30 to face 14th‑placed Levante (2-4-4, 10 points). Simeone’s side rides a six‑match winning streak and sits just two points behind Barcelona, but recent one‑goal wins have exposed a lack of cutting edge. Defensively solid with only eight goals conceded, Atlético will rely on Julián Álvarez and Álex Baena against a Levante team that has scored 13 home goals yet leaked 19 overall. Key absences include Koke and Johnny Cardoso, while Cristian Romero may return. Levante’s captain Roger Brugué, fresh from a brace against Athletic, poses a threat. History favours Atlético (21‑8‑9 record), though they haven’t won at the Ciutat de València since 2020.
Takeaways: La Araña’s apology goal gives Atleti sixth consecutive league win
Atletico Madrid extend their La Liga winning streak to six games after Julián Alvarez scores a decisive second‑half goal against RC Deportivo de A Coruña at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on October 24, 2026. The 1‑0 victory keeps Atleti two points behind league leaders and marks their eighth unbeaten match across all competitions. While the first half was sluggish, with limited chances and missing Jonathan David’s influence, Jan Oblak and the defense held firm despite a few lapses. Alvarez, who hadn’t scored at the Metropolitano in over 340 days, later apologized to fans for earlier transfer comments, acknowledging their anger and pledging to improve.
Julián Alvarez apologises to Atleti fans: “I would’ve been angry too”
Atletico Madrid striker Julián Álvarez apologises to fans after a controversial summer comment about wanting a move away from the Rojiblancos. The Argentine, who scored the only goal in a 1‑0 LaLiga win over Deportivo A Coruña on Oct 24, 2026, said his remarks during the World Cup were a mistake and expressed gratitude for the supporters’ loyalty. He vowed to focus on improving his performance as the team chases key fixtures, recalling his recent goals—a brace in the Champions League draw with Stuttgart and his first LaLiga strike since February.
Diego Simeone reacts to Julián Álvarez’s apology to Atlético Madrid
Diego Simeone praises Julián Álvarez after the Argentine striker scores the lone goal in Atlético Madrid’s 1-0 LaLiga EA Sports win over Deportivo A Coruña on Oct. 24, 2026, and apologises to fans for a previous misstep. Simeone highlights Álvarez’s humility, work‑ethic and respect, noting the apology shows his character. He also recaps a tough first half, tactical tweaks that boosted pressing, and how a late defensive stand secured all three points at the Metropolitano.
Atlético Madrid 1-0 Deportivo A Coruña: Player Ratings
Atlético Madrid edge Deportivo A Coruña 1‑0 at the Metropolitano on October 24, 2026, with Julián Alvarez scoring the decisive goal just two minutes after the restart. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak earns an 8 for a crucial save, while Marcos Llorente and Alejandro Grialdo receive 7s for consistent displays. Defensive lapses see Marc Pubill (6) and Kang‑in Lee (5) rated low, and Pablo Barrios is subbed at halftime after a shaky performance. The win, credited to Simeone’s halftime tweaks, keeps Atlético’s momentum alive in La Liga.
Atlético Madrid name squad to face Deportivo A Coruña in LaLiga
Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid announce a injury‑hit squad for Saturday’s LaLiga clash with newly‑promoted Deportivo A Coruña. Defenders Cristian Romero (adductor) and captain Koke (hamstring) miss their third game, while Johnny Cardoso joins the list after a hamstring strain in Stuttgart. Pablo Barrios and Morten Hjulmand are likely midfield starters, with Marcos Llorente a possible alternative. Lee Kang‑in recovers from a quad knock and should be available. The match, Atlético’s 10th of the season (7‑1‑1, 22 points), offers a chance to close the five‑point gap to leaders Barcelona, while veteran loanee José Giménez returns to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, hinting at a permanent move.
Diego Simeone expresses ‘gratitude’ and ‘love’ for José María Giménez before Metropolitano return
Ahead of Atletico Madrid’s Champions League clash with Manchester United on Oct. 12, 2026, coach Diego Simeone pays heartfelt tribute to defender José María Giménez, hailing his loyalty and calling him one of the club’s most important centre‑backs. Simeone stresses Giménez’s impact on the team and wishes him the best as he returns to the Metropolitano. He also previewed the upcoming LaLiga tie with Deportivo de A Coruña, highlighted squad depth amid injuries, and discussed striker options including Alexander Sørloth, Jonathan, and Julián. The press conference blends gratitude for Giménez with tactical outlooks for the busy season.
Diego Simeone expresses ‘gratitude’ and ‘love’ for José María Giménez before Metropolitano return
Ahead of Atlético Madrid’s Champions League clash with Manchester United on Oct. 12, 2026, coach Diego Simeone pays heartfelt tribute to defender José María Giménez, calling him a cornerstone of the side and expressing deep gratitude. Simeone also previews the upcoming La Liga match against Deportivo La Coruña, noting squad depth amid injuries and stressing the importance of players like Pablo Barrios, Marc Pubill and the striking trio of Jonathan, Julián and Alexander. He highlights the team’s focus on consistency, short‑term injury recovery, and the tactical flexibility required for the busy schedule that also includes Levante and Bayern Munich.
VfB Stuttgart 1 – 1 Atlético de Madrid: Takeaways
In a tightly contested Champions League debut, VfB Stuttgart held Atlético Madrid to a 1‑1 draw at the Arena Stuttgart on October 20, 2026. Jamie Leweling opened the scoring in the 44th minute, but Julián Álvarez, fresh off the bench, equalised in the second half, ending a 174‑day drought and marking his 50th club goal. The match turned tense when Morten Hjulmand received a straight red for a reckless challenge, leaving Atleti to defend with ten men. The piece highlights Cuti Romero’s defensive impact – Atlético conceded seven goals in six games without him – and questions the adequacy of Marc Pubill as his replacement.
Diego Simeone praises “very important” Julián after Stuttgart draw
Diego Simeone applauds Julián Álvarez after his first‑season goal helped Atlético Madrid secure a 1-1 Champions League draw at Stuttgart on October 20, 2026. Simeone highlighted Álvarez’s work rate on the left flank and called his strike “extraordinary,” stressing the Argentine’s growing importance. He also addressed a controversial non‑penalty on Hancko, defended the VAR decision, and praised his squad’s resilience after a red card forced them to play with ten men, noting the team’s identity and fighting spirit.
Diego Simeone praises ‘very important’ Julián after Stuttgart draw
Diego Simeone hails Julián Álvarez after Atlético Madrid scrape a 1-1 draw with VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League on October 20, 2026. Álvarez scored his first goal of the season, showcasing massive physical effort on the left flank, which Simeone describes as "extraordinary" and vital for the team's future. Despite Stuttgart’s first‑half pressure and a later red card that left Atlético with ten men, Simeime praised the squad’s resilience and tactical adjustment. He also addressed a controversial non‑penalty on defender Hancko, insisting the referee’s decision stands.
VfB Stuttgart 1-1 Atlético Madrid: Player Ratings
In a tense UEFA Champions League group‑stage clash, ten‑man Atlético Madrid scrape a 1‑1 draw at VfB Stuttgart. Jamie Leweling puts Stuttgart ahead after 35 minutes, but Julian Alvarez equalises two minutes into the second half as Ademola Lookman provides the assist. A red card for Morten Hjulmand stalls Atleti’s comeback, leaving them with four points from three games. Player ratings highlight Jan Oblak’s heroic double‑save performance (8), while Marcos Llorente struggles under pressure (6) and Morten Hjulmand’s reckless tackle earns a low rating (3). The article breaks down each starter’s impact, underscoring Atlético’s narrow escape.
Diego Simeone focused on power of squad depth ahead of Stuttgart tie
Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash in Stuttgart, Diego Simeone stresses Atletico Madrid’s squad depth as a work‑in‑progress. He notes new players are gradually settling, emphasizing the need to rotate fresh legs to maintain momentum against a physically strong VfB Stuttgart side that press high and defend deep. Simeone downplays past praise, focusing on tomorrow’s performance, and reiterates the team‑over‑individual philosophy despite Cuti Romero’s absence. He also praises Jan Oblak’s evolving footwork and clean‑sheet record. The press conference highlights the historic venue—home to Atletico’s 1962 European Cup win—while underscoring the tactical challenge of breaking Stuttgart’s defensive setup.
Atlético Madrid name squad to face Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League
Atlético Madrid announce a 20-man squad for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with VfB Stuttgart, but miss centre‑back Cristian Romero and midfielder Koke. Romero withdrew after a 1‑0 win over Espanyol, later diagnosed with a minor adductor strain that sidelines him for the Stuttgart trip and the upcoming Deportivo A Coruña match. Koke is out following his mother’s death and a lingering hamstring strain. Rookie Johnny Cardoso returns after gastroenteritis. Atlético enter the game on a six‑match winning streak, yet Simeone’s side has lost eight of ten games in Germany.
Anatomy of a Goal: Álex Baena’s winner at Espanyol
Atlético de Madrid won its sixth match in a row on Saturday after Álex Baena’s 89th-minute strike delivered a 1-0 victory at Espanyol. Baena, part of a string of second-half substitutes, bent in the winning goal from Julián Alvarez’s assist as Atlético (7-1-1, 22 points) held on to second place in LaLiga after nine rounds. […]
RCD Espanyol 0-1 Atlético de Madrid: Takeaways
Atlético Madrid have done it again. Álex Baena struck in the 89th minute at the RCDE Stadium to hand Atleti a second consecutive late win on the road in La Liga. It was a slow game, but one Atleti controlled from start to finish without ever finding the goal that control deserved. Then, when it […]
RCD Espanyol 0 – 1 Atlético de Madrid: Player Ratings
A historically difficult fixture for Atlético Madrid lived up to its reputation in the first half, as the Rojiblancos struggled to create quality chances in the final third. Jonathan David came closest to breaking the deadlock, but a brilliant save from Ángel Fortuño denied the striker and ensured the two sides entered halftime on level […]
Koke, Johnny Cardoso out for shorthanded Atlético at Espanyol
Atlético de Madrid have named their squad for Saturday lunchtime’s fixture against Espanyol, and Diego Simeone will take a shorthanded squad to Barcelona in round nine of LaLiga. Midfielders Koke and Johnny Cardoso are not making the trip to RCDE Stadium, where Atlético have not won since September 2021. Cardoso, who is becoming a key […]
Diego Simeone insists Atlético Madrid “have areas to improve” despite five wins in a row
Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone sought to calm expectations as his team enjoy a five-game winning streak before taking on Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday. “I’m really looking forward to tomorrow, but the result, sometimes… Winning five games doesn’t mean we’re doing things very well, just well. Why? Because there are always mistakes in […]
Diego Simeone insists Atlético Madrid “have areas to improve” despite five wins in a row
Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone sought to calm expectations as his team enjoy a five-game winning streak before taking on Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday. “I’m really looking forward to tomorrow, but the result, sometimes… Winning five games doesn’t mean we’re doing things very well, just well. Why? Because there are always mistakes in […]
Atlético de Madrid 2-0 Manchester United: Takeaways
Atlético de Madrid scored inside the opening minute against a wobbly Manchester United and held off the Red Devils’ labored bid to equalize by nabbing a late goal in Tuesday’s 2-0 win in the UEFA Champions League. Pablo Barrios’ goal after 50 seconds and Ademola Lookman’s tap-in 77 minutes later — after Man United center-back […]
Simeone: Atlético have room to improve after Man United victory
Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone celebrated a fifth consecutive win by beating Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League as he spoke about his team’s improved goal-scoring and defensive balance. “I think we’re scoring more goals than we were at this stage last year,” he reflected. “We’ve won these last five matches, and, obviously, when […]
Atlético Madrid 2-0 Manchester United: Player Ratings
Atlético Madrid recorded their first-ever win over English opposition in the group stage/league phase of the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Manchester United at the Metropolitano on Tuesday night. Pablo Barrios opened the scoring inside one minute as Atleti came flying out of the blocks early on. The game didn’t get much hotter […]
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